The Heart of Rear Tibet

Tashilhunpo Monastery | Comprehending Humanistic Beliefs. Comprehending Humanistic Beliefs. Tashilhunpo Monastery is located at the foot of Nyiseri Mountain, south of Shigatse, which in Tibetan means 'Auspicious Sumeru Mountain'. It is the largest monastery in Shigatse and has been the residence of the Panchen Lamas from the 4th Panchen Lama onwards, hence it is known as the heart of Rear Tibet. Along with the three great monasteries of Lhasa, it is one of the four great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Before arriving in Shigatse, I had already visited the three great monasteries of Lhasa, so initially, Tashilhunpo Monastery did not make a deep impression on me. Compared to the previous three, it didn't strike me as much - until I entered the Coqen Hall. I spent the entire afternoon in the Coqen Hall. The Great Assembly Hall, also known as Coqen Hall, is one of the earliest buildings associated with the monastery. This hall is very special compared to the three great monasteries of Lhasa, mainly consisting of a courtyard surrounded by cloisters, with many Buddha statues and murals painted around the cloisters. In front of the Great Assembly Hall is a lecture field of over 600 square meters, where the Panchen Lama teaches and debates scriptures with the monks. Unfortunately, during my visit, the debate was not held. Pay attention to a very special place on the side of the square. Locals line up to press their ears against the wall. It is said that those with profound blessings can hear different sounds here. At 12:30 and 4:30 in the afternoon, there are chanting sessions in the Great Assembly Hall. As the time approaches, monks will blow horns on the roof, then they will head to the hall, take off their shoes at a certain corner, and find their seats in the hall. Dim lights, red pillars, monks draped in yellow robes, scriptures hanging from the beams... We queue outside the hall, listening to the sacred sounds of scriptures emanating from within, and a sense of sanctity naturally arises. Visitors can also queue with the locals and slowly enter the hall. Walking through the narrow corridors, the locals almost all bow their heads as they pass, as if the monks beside them are untouchable deities. After touring the Great Assembly Hall, I sat alone on the stone steps of the square, listening to the scriptures from the hall, looking at the courtyard, and my heart seemed to become very peaceful all of a sudden... Finally, when I was leaving, I met a young monk who was going to the Great Assembly Hall to deliver food and butter tea to the chanting monks. He smiled and handed me an apple, which made me feel very warm. Notice Opening hours: 09:00-19:30 Ticket price: Off-season 55 3 When visiting, enter from the left and exit from the right, in a clockwise direction Pay attention to the opening hours of each hall, some are closed from 11:30 to 15:30. Around three in the afternoon, locals start entering the monastery, and at that time the Panchen Lama's Stupa Hall will be open Right at the entrance of the monastery is the Tashilhunpo Monastery Restaurant, where you can dine after leaving the monastery